Question

I'm afraid I can't face the pain of labor. Help!

Share

I'm pregnant for the first time and I'm afraid I won't be able to stand the pain of labor. My husband tries to reassure me, but he seems scared, too. What can we do to stop worrying and feel more confident about delivering our baby?

Mom Answers

Its not as bad as it sounds. Just keep in mind that soon you will have your baby in your arms. Be strong, keep calm, and breath. I had contractions from 6pm until 4:40am. I pushed for 5 minutes, with no type of medicine. You will be fine, wish you luck!!

I had a 9.3lbs baby girl. When i started having contractions I didn't know what it was, but hated it... It sucked! I was under a lot of pressure to have a natural birth and at any cost not have a c-section....both from my parents and inlaws. I couldn't take the pain so went for an epidural and voila didn't know a thing. my baby is healthy and an active kid..Touchwood! so do not be afraid even a bit. try to join prenatal yoga class,helped a big deal with the pushing. lastly don't forget to breathe. Goodluck and enjoy the pregnancy, you are never going to feel good the same way ever again.

Take the epidural class at the hospital you registered to delivery the baby at. I planned on an epidural; however, nurses told me I had to wait until I was dilated to 5 centimeters, which is half way. There was no way I could have delivered without it. At 5 cm. dilation, I could not hear my husband counting off the seconds any more, the pain was so intense. I was rattling the bed rails for sure! Your First delivery should be a pleasant one and not one that is miserable. Take the epidural! I received it in between my contractions which were coming very quickly, so I didn't feel anything, needle, etc. You sit up on the side of the bed, bend at the waist a little and it is all over in a minute. The nurse helps you. It is a sterile procedure, so hubby had to leave the room for a minute. I had a 13 hour labor in total. It was such a relief and I went on to labor 5 hours in peace. I was aware of everything and could not feel any pain as I also had an episiotomy to get her head out.

I tried to have both of my children naturally, but part-way through it, decided to get the epidural each time. With the second one, I even tried a pain killer first. It was too much pain. But after the epidural, everything is ok. Don't sweat it. If you want natural, give it a shot. But you can get an epidural if that doesn't work out, and you'll barely feel anything at all.

When I had my kiddo 3 years ago I felt the same way. I FLIPPED OUT
the night before I had him. For me, I just accepted the fact that it was going to be horrible but there was an end in sight....and it was bad, unfortunately. However, all I have to say is advances in medication (such as epidurals and Stadol) made it more tolerable for me. I am definitely a plan for the worst but hope for the best type person. Just be ready for it to suck, but know that it will end shortly.

First you need to believe in yourself! I was 18 when I had my son and my labor went so quickly that I wasn't offered any pain meds. I was throwing up and shaking but honestly it wast as bad as I had imagined it would be. Your body is stronger than you know. I am 5'2 weighed 130 at delivery and i honestly never thought my body would be able to handle that but it did. Labor and delivery is natural and your body is built for it. Have confidence in yourself and you will be just fine!

There are MANY things you can do to prepare to make your delivery easier and shorter. The number ONE things is mainly EXERCISE.
I PROMISE that it will help. I've had two children naturally and I will not have things any other way because of the benefits for my children.
There are many resources at MyNaturalBabyBirth.com that will help you get through the pregnancy, labor & delivery well. Even if you don't plan on have a natural birth, every mother should take a birthing course and implement routines to make herself and her baby healthier.
Please reply if you have any questions and I'm here to help!

First things first- CONGRATULATIONS!
Ok, i was in ur situation years ago. I used to cry like a little girl even if i bumped my toe. But i realised, many women have gone through this before u and many women will go through it after u. Its natural to feel anxious about doing the unknown.
Im not going to lie and say labor is beautiful with unicorns and daisies (well thats unless u take the drugs, always an option). But the pain is bearable and u have to except this is going to happen wether u like it or not so best to put a positive attitude on things and remember- its worth it, u will meet ur baby. If it wasn't worth it, no kids would have siblings.

This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

This site is published by BabyCenter, L.L.C., which is responsible for its contents as further described and qualified in the Terms of Use.